Poker Tell
A tell is any behavior, habit or actions made by the players that indicate the type of cards they hold.
The following are tips when playing against novice or advanced players.
Facial Expression
The most expressive part is the face in the human body. Some pros hide their expressions by wearing a cap and looking downward. By studying the tension, nervousness or tics on the face many can read the players hand compared to others.
Watch the Eyes
Many pros cover their eyes with sunglasses or caps to hide the expressions in their eyes. Some players keep staring at big hole cards, while others who are looking to steal the pot, may look to left to see if the remaining players, who haven't yet acted, have quickly glanced at their cards and are likely to fold. Some keep glancing at the chips when they want to attack.
Chip Stacking
The manner in which the player stacks the chips separates the loose aggressive players from tight conservative players.
Weak and Strong
Acting the opposite of the type of hand you hold to bluff the other players is very common. With a weak hand the behavior may indicate it to be strong and vice versa.
Anxiety
Anxiety is seen in physical changes including flexing of muscles, eye pupil dilation, palpitating heart rate, dry throat. The face sometimes becomes red or the hands starts to tremble with tension indicating nervousness in a big hand.
Repetitive Betting Patterns
Usually the most revealing tells are based on the way a player habitually bets during particular situations.
Body Posture
Many players change postures or fidget around based on their hand strength. For example, their shoulders slump when they have a weak hand or on the other hand sit in an erect position when the hand is strong and handle your winnings and stay afloat.